Three Round Mock Draft – March 13th

Round 2

33. New England Patriots (from Carolina)

Mikel LeShoure – RB – Illinois

With a full night to weigh trade options, I think it’s almost a given that the Patriots will move this pick judging by their track record. If they keep it, LeShoure adds talent, youth, and depth at Running Back. He’s a big, powerful runner with surprising agility and he’ll contribute early.

34. Buffalo Bills

Christian Ponder – QB – Florida State

After passing on a potential franchise signal-caller in the first round, the Bills get their guy here at the top of the second. Ponder is an excellent fit in Chan Gailey’s offense possessing the feet and intangibles to be very successful down the road.

35. Cincinnati Bengals

Ryan Mallett – QB – Arkansas

The Bengals chose to bypass a Quarterback in the first round, but they find a solution early in the second. It’s unlikely that Ryan Mallett’s character concerns will turn away Cincinnati, who will be looking for an instant replacement for Carson Palmer. Mallett would start immediately with an array of young weapons.

36. Denver Broncos

Kyle Rudolph – TE – Notre Dame

It would be hard to turn down an offensive talent like Kyle Rudolph here, even with the Broncos’ array of needs on the other side of the ball. The former Irish Tight End has excellent size, hands, and athletic ability. He’d start right away and contribute both in the passing and rushing game as a rookie.

37. Cleveland Browns

Titus Young – WR – Boise State

Another team that must target front seven defenders over all else; Cleveland would have a hard time turning down Titus Young’s speed on the outside. Colt McCoy can only be expected to be successful with competent weapons around him. Young adds the perfect downfield threat to the Browns offense.

38. Arizona Cardinals

Nate Solder – OT – Colorado

Yards didn’t come easily for the Cardinals a year ago and it was clear the team suffered, in part, due to a shaky offensive line. Nate Solder is too good a value to pass up here with prototypical size and athleticism. He has the potential to be an anchor at Left Tackle.

39. Tennessee Titans

Mason Foster – OLB – Washington

After Keith Bulluck departed from Tennessee, the team instantly felt the drop-off at Outside Linebacker. Mason Foster is an underrated prospect that could be a very solid starter for the Titans for a long time. He’s an excellent tackler that plays with great range.

40. Dallas Cowboys

Danny Watkins – OG – Baylor

The most pressing need for Jerry Jones & Co. to address is on the offensive line. The pass-protection for the Cowboys wasn’t great by any means, but the run-blocking was absolutely pathetic. Danny Watkins is a big, nasty lineman that will likely move inside to Guard at the next level. He gives Dallas’ line the physicality they desperately need.

41. Washington Redskins

Mike Pouncey – OG – Florida

Another team desperate for help along the offensive line. Washington was beaten up in the trenches last year and will look to add an athletic interior lineman to fit Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. Pouncey is an excellent fit and would be a major upgrade anywhere on the Redskins line.

42. Houston Texans

Christian Ballard – DE – Iowa

After striking out in the first round, Houston gets their Defensive End here in the second. Christian Ballard is a great fit at end for the Texans and is capable of moving up and down the line in a variety of schemes. He has the size, power, and athleticism to make an impact early.

43. Minnesota Vikings

Ras-I Dowling – CB – Virginia

Unable to land the franchise Quarterback they desired, the Vikings turn to defense and upgrade their defensive backfield. Dowling was hurt during the 2010 season, but has the size, range, and speed to contribute at either Cornerback or Free Safety.

44. Detroit Lions

Colin McCarthy – LB – Miami

There haven’t been many players that have made the most out of the pre-draft process the way Colin McCarthy has. He’s a smart player with range, good athleticism, and is a secure tackler. Detroit could use his help immediately in the middle or on the weak-side.

45. San Francisco 49ers

Muhammed Wilkerson – DE – Temple

In the first round, rookie Head Coach John Harbaugh got his franchise passer. After addressing Quarterback, the 49ers will turn to defense. Wilkerson is a 5-Tech prospect with prototypical size and good athleticism. He could fight for a starting spot right away in San Francisco.

46. Denver Broncos (from Miami)

Quan Sturdivant – ILB – North Carolina

In transitioning to their new 4-3 scheme, the Broncos will need to add at least one starting Linebacker. Sturdivant is an underrated prospect with great instincts, range, and is a very secure tackler. Upon arriving in Denver, he could push D.J. Williams back to his more natural spot on the weak-side.

47. St. Louis Rams

Corey Liuget – DT – Illinois

The Rams got lucky in the first round when a top receiver prospect fell right into their laps. The team still needs help on the other side of the ball and Liuget offers great value here. He is a quick, powerful Defensive Tackle that would give St. Louis another young building block on defense.

48. Oakland Raiders

Marcus Cannon – OL – TCU

With recent news that Robert Gallery is leaving the Raiders, their first pick could now be used to address the offensive line. Cannon is an enormous physical wonder capable of playing inside at Guard or at Right Tackle. He’d start right away in Oakland and fits the Al Davis draftee mold.

Ryan Lownes

Ryan is currently an undergraduate student at Ohio University pursuing a degree in Sport Management. He has been attending the NFL Draft in New York City since 2005 and has aspirations of a career in scouting. He is currently a draft writer and analyst on the Draft Breakdown team, posting his latest rankings, mock drafts, scouting reports, and more. Be sure to follow Ryan on twitter for year-round NFL Draft analysis.

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